Pediatric Pharmacy General Meeting
Pharmacist Monica Bogenschutz
Pediatric pharmacist
Checks orders to make sure there are no errors
pediatric patients have a much higher risk of encountering error than adults
Differences in Pediatric Pharmacy from adults
Pharmacokinetics of caffeine
Caffeine citrate is prescribed often for patients in the NICU
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Pediatric Pharmacy Training
Undergraduate
2-4 years of prerequisites
Pharmacy School
4 years to get Pharm D
Residency
Can be general or pediatric specific
Tips for getting into pharmacy school
Be well rounded- get involved in many different things
Create a network
School is important but you also need to develop yourself as an individual
Take nutritional courses
Take history of pharmacy courses
Work in a pharmacy if you can
Do a residency!
They will help you learn additional skills/ have additional training
The experiences you have and the networks you gain will put you above others
After Residency:
Short term-
Become a pediatric clinical pharmacist
Become BCPPS certified
Be a clinical preceptor
Become involved in research
Long term-
Be a faculty member at a school of pharmacy
Participate in interdisciplinary hospital committees and pharmacy organizations
Volunteer wherever you can use education to better community
Take on a leadership role
What does a Pediatric Clinical Pharmacist do:
Medication verification
Talk to patients about what medications they’re on/ have been on, screen for allergies, screen for vaccinations, screen for prescription drug monitoring
Make a plan with other healthcare officials for the patient
Talk with families at time of discharge and answer questions
Different Areas of Pediatrics
General pediatrics
Complex care
picu/ nicu
Hematology
Oncology
Daily Tasks:
Review kidney/ liver function
IV to PO medication route change per protocol
Therapeutic drug monitoring
Anticoagulation monitoring
Weekly evaluation of neonatal/ infant dosing weights
Family-centered patient care round- interacting with families as well as patients
Provide drug information
Tips
Study hard- alone or in groups
Have fun- don’t take life too seriously
Build rapport with all staff- get to know your professors and upperclassmen
Go to office hours
You don’t know everything and you never will
At the end of the day we are all working towards improving patient care
Find a balance between work and your social life
Don’t be let being nervous of a new experience or success get in your way
Ways to continue learning
Board certification
Ask questions
Teaching others what you’ve learned
Read a lot- articles are always being updated on how to improve your practice
Don’t forget to read real books
National/ local organizations
Become a member of committees